Solar FAQ
How much does a Solar System Cost?
Answer: Your Western Maryland Solar,LLC installed Solar system can be as little as $7,250.00 for our Sun Spot Solar Starter kit. Whatever your budget, Western Maryland Solar, LLC will work hard to give you the most Solar for your investment.
Do I need batteries?
Answer: No, you do not need batteries. Most Solar arrays are “grid tied," meaning the grid and your Solar array work seamlessly together to provide electricity to your home. Western Maryland Solar, LLC does have the ability to provide our clients a battery back up system to provide uninterrupted electricity to critical loads during a power outage.
What happens if there is a power outage?
Answer: When a Solar array is solely "grid tied" (meaning no backup power), the inverters will stop producing power during that time. This is a UL requirement to protect the Electric company linemen that may be working on the lines. If your Solar array has a back up generator or batteries, the inverters used will isolate your "critical loads" from the rest of your home and continue to provide power. Western Maryland Solar, LLC will work with you to understand your needs and recommend the best course of action.
What happens when it is cloudy or raining? What happens at night?
Answer: During times when the weather is less than favorable for your Solar array or at nighttime, you continue to use electricity from the grid as you normally would. Your electricity will not be interrupted and there is no action that you need to take to continue using electricity.
What is SREC?
Answer: Solar Renewable Energy Credits are issued when your Solar array produces 1000kWhs. These credits can be sold to corporations that use a lot of electricity. Value of the SRECs depends on location of your array. WMDS will help you set up your SREC account. Your SREC Trade account can take a few months to set up.
How old can my roof be to install a solar array?
Answer: Roofs that are best suited for Solar are under 10 years old. Your Solar array will help protect your roof surface from the direct sunlight, which should make your roof last longer. If you are questioning the condition or age of your roof, WMDS recommends an inspection by a certified roofer.
My roof is not suitable for Solar. What are my options?
Answer: Roof mounted Solar arrays are the most common type of installation, however Pole Mounted and Ground Mounted solutions are also available. Western Maryland Solar, LLC will work with you to ensure we find the best and most appealing solution to your specific situation.
How does Solar electricity work?
Answer: Click HERE for our “How does Solar work?” page.
Do you provide any type of financing?
Answer: No, Western Maryland Solar, LLC does not currently provide financing. We do, however, work with our clients to develop an affordable, cost effective plan in order to get the most out of the solar investment.
How long does it take to install Solar on my house?
Answer: Typically, weather permitting, it takes 6-8 weeks from signing of a contract to turning on the Solar array. If the installation can be done earlier, we will make every effort to do so. Securing the proper permits can take up to 4 weeks (depending on location). On a typical residential system, the installation of panels on your roof can take 1-2 days. Final electrical hook up and net metering can take a few weeks. Net metering is done by your local power company. Western Maryland Solar, LLC can not control how long it takes the local power company to install your net meter and assumes no liability for their work .
What is a Solar lease or PPA?
Answer: A Solar Lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is similar to leasing a car. You are able to use the Solar array, but you do not own the Solar array. Typically, you receive a lower kWh rate on your electric bill, however you do not get to take advantage of tax incentives, grants, or SRECs. Typical leases are 20+ years. If you plan to sell your home, your home’s new buyer will need to be credit worthy to assume the lease. Western Maryland Solar, LLC does not offer a Solar lease or PPA option.
What rebates and incentives are available?
Answer: Incentives are based on individual installations in the different states. Western Maryland Solar, LLC recommends you consult with and rely exclusively upon the advise of your accountant and/or tax attorney to verify available tax benefits. You can check www.dsire.gov for more information on incentives.
What is net metering?
Answer: During the day, your Solar array is producing at the highest output. If your home is not consuming all the energy being generated, then it is pushed out to the grid. During this time, you receive credit for the power being generated. Most commonly, this is referred to as your meter “spinning backwards.” Then, at night, when it is raining or cloudy, these credits are used. Many clients may notice that during the Summer they do not have an electric bill.
Answer: Your Western Maryland Solar,LLC installed Solar system can be as little as $7,250.00 for our Sun Spot Solar Starter kit. Whatever your budget, Western Maryland Solar, LLC will work hard to give you the most Solar for your investment.
Do I need batteries?
Answer: No, you do not need batteries. Most Solar arrays are “grid tied," meaning the grid and your Solar array work seamlessly together to provide electricity to your home. Western Maryland Solar, LLC does have the ability to provide our clients a battery back up system to provide uninterrupted electricity to critical loads during a power outage.
What happens if there is a power outage?
Answer: When a Solar array is solely "grid tied" (meaning no backup power), the inverters will stop producing power during that time. This is a UL requirement to protect the Electric company linemen that may be working on the lines. If your Solar array has a back up generator or batteries, the inverters used will isolate your "critical loads" from the rest of your home and continue to provide power. Western Maryland Solar, LLC will work with you to understand your needs and recommend the best course of action.
What happens when it is cloudy or raining? What happens at night?
Answer: During times when the weather is less than favorable for your Solar array or at nighttime, you continue to use electricity from the grid as you normally would. Your electricity will not be interrupted and there is no action that you need to take to continue using electricity.
What is SREC?
Answer: Solar Renewable Energy Credits are issued when your Solar array produces 1000kWhs. These credits can be sold to corporations that use a lot of electricity. Value of the SRECs depends on location of your array. WMDS will help you set up your SREC account. Your SREC Trade account can take a few months to set up.
How old can my roof be to install a solar array?
Answer: Roofs that are best suited for Solar are under 10 years old. Your Solar array will help protect your roof surface from the direct sunlight, which should make your roof last longer. If you are questioning the condition or age of your roof, WMDS recommends an inspection by a certified roofer.
My roof is not suitable for Solar. What are my options?
Answer: Roof mounted Solar arrays are the most common type of installation, however Pole Mounted and Ground Mounted solutions are also available. Western Maryland Solar, LLC will work with you to ensure we find the best and most appealing solution to your specific situation.
How does Solar electricity work?
Answer: Click HERE for our “How does Solar work?” page.
Do you provide any type of financing?
Answer: No, Western Maryland Solar, LLC does not currently provide financing. We do, however, work with our clients to develop an affordable, cost effective plan in order to get the most out of the solar investment.
How long does it take to install Solar on my house?
Answer: Typically, weather permitting, it takes 6-8 weeks from signing of a contract to turning on the Solar array. If the installation can be done earlier, we will make every effort to do so. Securing the proper permits can take up to 4 weeks (depending on location). On a typical residential system, the installation of panels on your roof can take 1-2 days. Final electrical hook up and net metering can take a few weeks. Net metering is done by your local power company. Western Maryland Solar, LLC can not control how long it takes the local power company to install your net meter and assumes no liability for their work .
What is a Solar lease or PPA?
Answer: A Solar Lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is similar to leasing a car. You are able to use the Solar array, but you do not own the Solar array. Typically, you receive a lower kWh rate on your electric bill, however you do not get to take advantage of tax incentives, grants, or SRECs. Typical leases are 20+ years. If you plan to sell your home, your home’s new buyer will need to be credit worthy to assume the lease. Western Maryland Solar, LLC does not offer a Solar lease or PPA option.
What rebates and incentives are available?
Answer: Incentives are based on individual installations in the different states. Western Maryland Solar, LLC recommends you consult with and rely exclusively upon the advise of your accountant and/or tax attorney to verify available tax benefits. You can check www.dsire.gov for more information on incentives.
What is net metering?
Answer: During the day, your Solar array is producing at the highest output. If your home is not consuming all the energy being generated, then it is pushed out to the grid. During this time, you receive credit for the power being generated. Most commonly, this is referred to as your meter “spinning backwards.” Then, at night, when it is raining or cloudy, these credits are used. Many clients may notice that during the Summer they do not have an electric bill.